design mart chicago : trends
Last week, we were invited and honored to attend The Mart’s Design Chicago event. While it was a whirlwind, we had an absolute blast. We were able to see countless showrooms and product, attend amazing sessions, and put our hands on the latest innovations in design. It was refreshing to lay our eyes on some eye candy and fresh inspiration for our lovely design clients. Today, we’re thrilled to share a little of it with you, too, with our forecasts for the future and what we’re spying a lot of, now. Design Mart Chicago: Trends!
We stayed at the voco, which was attached to The Mart. This was the stunning view of the river and design district outside our window.
Also, we don’t polish up often, but when we do, we try to take a lame selfie to document it.
So without further ado, here are a few wonderful trends we’re spying at Design Mart Chicago.
• Design Trends: Color – You know, for us, it never went away. You can pry color out of my cold, dead fingers. We’re not afraid of it and know how to combine it in fun ways. You’ll never see me hiding behind the excuse of neutrals. {Yes, yes neutrals are great in their own rite and there’s a time and a place.} But to design in color… I would say it’s a strength. And we’re glad to see it’s back.
From fabrics to wall coverings, rugs + more… color is back in fun and playful ways.
Photo space courtesy of Christopher Peacock – I could listen to him talk all day.
Oh, and of course wallpaper isn’t going anywhere soon. Which leads me to…
• Design Trends: Fearless Wall Coverings – Big and Bold is what we’re spying a lot of. Colorful, too. Even applied in a traditional sense, murals are still everywhere. My favorite is when prints are used in different ways, like Phillip Jeffries and the nuanced variation of grasscloth.
• Design Trends: Big & Bold Abstract Art – We were seeing this one everywhere. Especially when juxtaposed with traditional furnishings, paired in interesting ways. I couldn’t get enough.
• Design Trends: Curves for Days – Of course, I love all things moderation. But the curve in furniture isn’t going away any time soon. I’d say be smart about what you use in your home with this one so it doesn’t quickly become outdated due to oversaturation. We do personally love a touch of these vibes, though.
Brown is something that has been back for a while, and I think I might be spying more brown + blue combos all over again.
• Design Trends: Attention to Detail – Yes, it’s always been about that. But we’re observing a lot of customizable options when it comes to handles on appliances & fixtures, as well as detail within spaces. More one-of-a-kind, bespoke options through vendors with leather accents, bejeweled features and more.
This beauty is part of Monogram Appliances – We’re amazed by what their technology can do.
They graciously hosted us for a yummy lunch which we were able to try cooking with their pieces!
Via Brizo – this handle comes in so many options.
• Design Trends: Natural Materials + Interesting Finishes – Regarding furnishings, I spied many stone combos with marble, wood, and other materials.
Of course, natural elements in kitchens. While brass is back in a big way, the charm of Chrome will never get old, either.
While we’re on the subject of materials, I’d also say Metallics and velvet have been back for a while, but I saw a real emphasis on those, especially with four-poster beds. Animal prints are making a comeback in fashion this fall, and I’m seeing them in certain spaces, too.
• Design Trends: Thick Glass + Metal Combos – This one may sound silly, but I saw it everywhere, especially on side tables. I think tables in general, from coffee to side and more are really having a moment as essential pieces in a room. Usually a last addition, they were serving as stand-alone sculptures.
And speaking of sculpture…
• Design Trends: Lighting as Stand-Alone Art
I saw many sculptural installations with lighting as a statement piece, whether it was in chandeliers or sconces.
PS. This teal one wanted to come home with me.
• Design Trends: She’s Got Legs – Back to dining tables, the bases were just as interesting as the tables themselves, and I loved spying all the details underneath. This Baker table lives rent-free in my mind now.
Also, how fun are these ottomans?
And just for good measure, I leave you with this swoon-worthy umbrella that was the size of my living room. We’re gonna need a bigger pool.
And… The Mart’s elevators, which were having a moment of their own in this historical building.
We hope you enjoyed this little round-up of fun trends and found a little inspiration for your own homes! We were able to stay in Chicago for an extra day and see some of the sights since we’d never been before. This included a late-night round with some of their infamous deep-dish pizza and a riverboat architecture tour. So much fun.
We’re so grateful to The Mart for inviting us as design ambassadors and letting us set our eyes on all the beautiful pieces they have.
Got any questions? We’d love to hear. Have an inspired day!
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Pssst… did you know that we take on design and renovation projects for clients? Check out what we do here and our portfolio here.
Need a realtor – even if you’re in another state? We have that, too. Contact us at jamin @ the handmade home . net.
We’d love to hear from you!
